The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began contracting out towers in the early 1990s. The National Labor Relations Board certified NATCA as the exclusive bargaining representative for its first Federal Contract Tower, Central Wisconsin Tower (CWA), Mosinee, Wis., in early 1997.

It has been important to NATCA’s leadership to quickly expand protections for FCT employees. During the two decades that NATCA has represented professionals in the FCT program, there has been an increase in safety reporting, work environment improvements, and a larger voice for FCT employees in the National Airspace System (NAS). In the last six years, NATCA has organized 34 FCTs across the nation. NATCA is projected to represent over 100 FCTs by 2018. The two latest towers to be added to the FCT program are Jackson, Miss., Hawkins Field Airport (HKS), and Olive Branch, Miss., Airport (OLV).

In 2013, due to sequestration, the FCT program faced cuts in aviation funding and the threat of closure for 149 FCTs. NATCA worked with partners across the NAS to highlight the dangers of those proposed cuts. With the help of members of Congress, NATCA was able to stop the closing of FCTs.

“Representing controllers, regardless of who their employer is, will always be a priority of this Union,” National Organizing Committee Chairman and former FCT controller John Bratcher said. “Collectively, we are stronger because of the professions we represent. Our brothers and sisters working in the FCT program deserve a strong voice in their work environment.”

On Nov. 9, 2016, NATCA’s Contract Team signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc., at NATCA’s National Office in Washington, D.C. The agreement was ratified by more than 87 percent of the membership. The four-year agreement implements significant improvements, including the first-ever guaranteed wage increase and an extra week of paid vacation after 20 years of service.

On Dec. 11, 2016, the most recent CBA between NATCA and Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc. went into effect.

On Oct. 1, 2014, the most recent CBA between NATCA and Serco, Inc., went into effect.